Artificial intelligence: The end of humanity as we know it?

Physicist Stephen Hawking recently made headlines when he said, “The development of full artificial intelligence (AI) could spell the end of the human race.” Bill Gates, Elon Musk and other business and technology leaders have come out against AI and its likely impact on inequality, unemployment and the human condition. On the other hand, some people are trumpeting a new age of “superintelligence” in which AI-embedded smart devices and machines will exponentially extend human capabilities and lead to breakthroughs in science, education, economics and health. These issues will take center stage when the ethics of artificial intelligence is the topic of CSU Monterey Bay’s 14th annual Ethics and Responsible Business Forum, to be held from 3 to 5 p.m., March 16, at the University Center on Sixth Avenue and B…